Even Minister in Prime Minister’s Department and in-charge of Islamic Affairs Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Dato’ Paduka Jamil Khir Baharom remarked that Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Marino was out of line and should have observed the borders of sensitivity in this country:

Jamil Khir says Vatican envoy’s remarks can cause disunity

JULY 13, 2013

Vatican City Ambassador to Malaysia Archbishop Joseph Marino should not have issued the statement on the use of the word ‘Allah’ as it has created anxiety among the public and can threaten unity among Malaysians, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said.

He said such a statement should not be made by any quarters to respect the sensitivity of Muslims in the country.

“The religious tolerance in this country should be taken into account by all quarters when issuing statements that could be interpreted as disrupting racial harmony in Malaysia,” he said in a statement today.

He said the National Fatwa Council had issued a ruling that the word “Allah” was specially for use by Muslims in the country and should not be abused by any quarters.

“I advise all quarters to not make a polemic of the issue on the word Allah until a decision is made by the court,” he added.

A coalition of Malay Muslims non-governmental organisations had yesterday called on the government to “chase away” the ambassador for issuing the statement. – Bernama, July 13, 2013

Instead, Malaysian Church leaders demonstrated that they failed to be Malaysians and adhere to the Federal Constitution and State Constitution where position of Islam as the religion of the Federation of Malaysia and position and role HRH Rulers are clearly provided.

They continue to show their insensitivity and arrogance if not disobedience as citizens by calling that HE Archbishop Marino should not apologise but instead Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak to take a stand against Malay NGOs like PERKASA and JATI.

Najib, seen here at a Christmas party last year, must stand up to the extreme comments from groups like Perkasa and Jati, say local Christian leaders. The Malaysian Insider pic,

July 13, 2013. Christians have had enough of the bashing from the likes of Perkasa and other Malay rights groups. They expect Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to intervene and “do the right thing” by rejecting such extremism.

This was the stand of the president of the Council of Churches Malaysia, Bishop Philip Lok. He was speaking to The Malaysian Insider in the wake of the demands by Perkasa and Jati that the Vatican’s envoy Archbishop Joseph Marino withdraw his support for the local church’s campaign to use the word Allah and that he must apologise within seven days.

The vocal rights groups have demanded that the government shut down the Vatican’s embassy and banish Marino if he does not apologise.

They were reacting to the Archbishop’s comments in an interview with local media that though he recognised that the ongoing court case on the Allah issue was an internal matter, he supported the position taken by the Christian Federation of Malaysia that Allah was a word for god in the Christian religion too.

Bishop Lok said that it was time the government took action against Perkasa and Jati for trying to disrupt diplomatic ties between Malaysia and the Vatican.

“We appreciate that two years ago the Prime Minister had established ties with the Vatican. He has worked hard for that. Does he want to jeopardise the good relationship that he has fostered with them over the years?” he asked.

He urged Najib to do the “right thing and reject extremism”.

“He should put an end to this and not succumb to their demands. The people of Malaysia have had enough of this.”

Referring to the rights groups, he added: “They have been saying all sorts of things against the Christians, in particular. This is no different.

“But the Government is not seen to be taking any action against these people who have been causing religious tension in the country.”

He added that the Prime Minister must ensure that his promise of national reconciliation not just remain words.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) deputy president Jagir Singh said Marino had no reason to retract his statement as he was speaking the truth.

Referring to the calls for a retraction, Mr Singh said: “It is not fair to ask him to do that. It is his right. The Archbishop’s stand is correct.”

Catholic Bishop Paul Tan said that he was shocked at the reaction of the two Malay rights NGOs, noting that the Vatican envoy’s remarks “should not be seen as an interference in Malaysia’s internal affairs any more than the demand at some embassies in Kuala
Lumpur recently that our government reject the goings-on in Egypt and Syria constitutes interference in those nations’ affairs’’.

The head of the Catholic Church in the Malacca-Johor diocese described Perkasa and Jati’s demands as “gimmicky sabre-rattling”.

He told Malaysiakini: “Rash talk is cheap especially on the part of those who do not have the responsibility.

“Former Plantation Industries and Commodities minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said Perkasa has gone way too far in their demand.

“To ask an ambassador to leave… that is just unbelievable.

“Groups in this country have also commented on what happens in other countries. I don’t see what’s wrong,” he added.

However, Dompok was certain that the statements by Jati and Perkasa would not affect the relationshi[p between Malaysia and the Vatican.

“I believe the ties between both sovereign countries are stronger than this,” he said. – July 13, 2013

****************

This is not a surprise because Church leaders, which include the Roman Catholic Church have been very political. One of the more stinging one is Bishop Paul Tan. He also tried to make the 5 May 2013 polling day as a political controversy. These are some of the clear examples that the Roman Catholic Church has become a political organ instead of a house of worship.

The fact is that Malay NGOs PERKASA, JATI, PPIM, MUAFAKAT, ISMA and others which include individuals in the likes of retired Court of Appeal Judge Dato’ Mohd. Noor Abdullah and retired Director General of Education Dato’ Wira Abdul Rahman Arshad are standing up for what ever have been provided and principled in the Federal Constitution. Nothing more.

Neither are any of them are anti-Christians now nor ever have been.

Unless proven, Malay NGOs in the likes of PERKASA, JATI, PPIM and MUAFAKAT have never been pre-emptive nor provocative on sensitive issues pertaining their stance on Islam, HRH Rulers and position and interests of the Malays. Their reaction on provocations and/or challenges are often manipulated as the aggressors and the minority they represented then conveniently be pictured as ‘victims’ and/or ‘minority under majority oppression’.

In short, these Malay NGOs are just exercising the demand for “Constitutional obligation to defend the position of Islam”.

Position and roles of HRH Rulers and Islam as the religion of the Federation of Malaysia are underlying fundamentals for the birth of this nation and utmost important provisions in the Federal Constitution. These, along other provisions such as Special Malay Rights and Malay as national language are some the articles provided in the Federation of Malaya Treaty which was inked on 21 January 1948 between HRH Rulers and the British Government. The treaty became the basis when the Federal Constitution was drafted.

Perjanjian Persekutuan Tanah Melayu 21 Jan 1948

There was no provision for the allowance of religion other than Islam in that treaty. For a matter of fact, only the Malays were recognised as “Subjects of HRH Rulers”.

At the dawn of the formation of Federation of Malaya, HRH Rulers agreed to compromise based on the conditions as per provided in the Federation of Malaya Treaty on the principle of admission of Non Malays as citizens. Almost 1 million Non Malays, mostly would not have qualified to be citizens were admitted as equals and accorded with rights in the new born nation and member of the Commonwealth.

Hence, the religion of the Non Malays are allowed to be practiced as long as it does not contravene and/or encroached into the interests and position of Islam as the religion of the Federation of Malaya (Now Malaysia). These are the basis of the ‘Social Contract’ which many especially the Non Malays today are trying to deny for its spirit and decisions made.

The rights of the Non Malays as citizens then or now are not carte blanche, where they are free to say or demand anything. Especially on ‘special’ matters such as position and interest of Islam as the religion as the Federation of Malaysia. Overstepping these boundaries would just invite trouble and Malay NGOs such as PERKASA, JATI etc. exist for this purpose.

Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia Archbishop Joseph Salvador Marino

What HE Archbishop Marino did was totally out of line as his role in the capacity of Apostolic Nuncio. It cannot be considered as faux pas because he is seasoned diplomat. He insulted HRH Sultan Selangor’s decree, the fatwa made by National Fatwa Council and disrespect a case where the matter is being the process of appeal in the Malaysian courts system.

What HE Archbishop Marino did was totally out of line as his role in the capacity of Apostolic Nuncio. He insulted HRH Sultan Selangor’s decree, the fatwa made by National Fatwa Council and disrespect a case where the matter is being the process of appeal in the Malaysian courts system.

Al Kitab; The Malay bible

Unless, HE Archbishop Marino consciously utter the support as part of a sinister political agenda. This should also include that the Vatican is indirectly if not very supportive the agenda of protelysation of Malay-Muslims in Malaysia.

It is time for Prime Minister Najib to demonstrate whether he is a man of principle or prefer to pander to popularism, especially to the different groups ungrateful and disobedient minority with the same sinister agenda.

*Footnote: The title means “Virtue of being principled”

*Updated 0100hrs 15 July 2013

Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Anifah Aman said that Malaysia is displeased with Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Joseph Salvador Marino’s statement on the ‘Kalimah Allah’ issue, which the former describe as “Foreign interference into internal affairs”.

Well done. A very good post. Very explanatory and well documented with evidence.

Yes, the Federation of Malaya Treaty 1948 where “only the Malays were recognised as “Subjects of HRH Rulers”. And how the Malays have been kind to agree to the non-Malays getting citizenship right at independence in 1957. And the Malays got enshrined in the Constitution Islam as the religion of the country, the Ketuanan Melayu in the various provisions relating to the YDP Agong, the Malay Rulers, the Rulers Council, etc, and the Special Position of the Malays that was extended to the Bumiputeras of Sabah and Sarawak on the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

Najib and “the others” should always remember those. The Constitution is the highest set of laws in the country, all other laws emanate from it, are enacted in pursuit of what are said in it, cannot contradict it, otherwise become ultra vires. If the non-Malays are not thankful for their citizenship right being agreed to, they should at the very least not try to injure the right and the interests of the Malays. The DAP and others tried it in a nasty way in 1969 and they caused the race riots of 13 May.

The Rulers are the Head of Islamic Affairs in the states concerned. As Muhyiddin said, the Sultan of Selangor was entitled to issue the decree of Januray this year – kalimah Allah cannot be used by non-Muslims as it is exclusive to Muslims only. The Nuncio has been in Malaysia since April, was aware of the kalimah Allah issue being at the Appeal Court, yet he had the gall to support its use by Christians in this country. Damn him. Get him out of the country.

Problem is people may say they have a different set of principles. They claim to be liberal. Liberte, egalite, fraternite, et all.

They forgot that even in US there are racist blokes. Like Donald Trump, who endlessly questioned Obama’s birth and entitlement to the Presidency.

Yet Najib wants to be more liberal than even the liberal Americans. One sometimes wonders whether he has become like DAP blokes. Don’t care about the history of this country, don’t like History that luckily Muhyiddin has made compulsory in schools, wants to chuck away the Sedition Act, etc. When the Americans have the highly freedom-curtailing Patriot Act enacted after the New York Twin Towers jet plane bombing.

He encouraged the growth of Christianity in this country by initiating diplomatic relations with the Vatican. And the DAP has many members and supporters who joined the Evangelical churches that have proliferated in this country in recent years. No action taken by the Minister in PM’s Dept when the Damansara Utama Methodist Church invited 12 Muslim women to break their fast in a Church during a fasting month 2 years ago. The most ridiculous thing I have seen allowed in this country in my entire life.

Not diam. Maybe like cicak putus ekor. Run here and there in the house.

I fear he not only don’t want to resign but also start making hay while the sun still shining. Appoint more of Azeeeeezes of Tabung Haji and whatever name the fake PhD fellow appointed as FGVH CEO.

We must hit him more and more using the lastik getah. Lama lama kena and the cicak jatuh ke bawah, I assure you. We used to do that often during our school hostel days. The cicak wanted to catch the insects attracted to the neon lights at the ceiling.

Why can’t the Vatican do the right thing and tick-off its envoy for its insensitive remark? Why must theball be on Najib’s court?
Christian bashing? The Christians in Malaysia have been bashing Islam among themselves for decades! Bloody hypocrites!

Sorry, not getting your drift, Garret. The hypocrites you referred to are the Christians, the Vatican people, or who?

And who do mean are doing the “Christian bashing”? I presume it’s the Muslims. That I suppose is logical coz you said “The Christians in Malaysia have been bashing Islam among themselves for decades.” And you have whacked the envoy for his “insensitive remark”.

But the ball is still on Najib’s court. Coz the envoy has not apologized and Najib was the one responsible for starting relations that led to him being sent here. Najib should kick him out especially when many have been asking Najib be kicked out. From the UMNO Presidency and what it entails.

The hypocrites I’m referring to are the Christians and the Vatican people.

The Christian-bashing I’m referring to is quoted by the Bishop of KL or whatever, not me. I’m merely chastising the Christians who practice double-standard. And yes, I’m whacking the envoy for his insensitive remarks.

The Bishop is asking Najib to take action against Jati and Perkasa, but in my opinion, the Vatican should take action against the envoy and apologize to us.

To be fair to to Najib, it is very normal for a country to establish relations with the Vatican, and how is he to know that the Vatican would send a jack-ass of an envoy to Malaysia? But I for one would want Najib tp be firm with the envoy and tick him off, as should our Agong, for the insult and offense caused by the envoy.

On July 14, 2013 at 16:19 Zen said:

Txs for the clarification, Garret.

We differ in that it’s not normal for Malaysia to have diplomatic relations that are not in the interest of the majority of the population. Like with Israel, which only Anwar wants to have relations with, but even his bed partners PAS don’t want.

The pursuit of foreign policy has historically been based on the national interest. And it’s simply not in the national i.e majority interest to have relations with a Christian entity because the Christians constitute only 9% of the population and the Muslims who are the majority would not like it. No one has listed the benefits the relationship brought. Or pointed out any tangible benefit.

We also disagree in that, as the Nuncio and the Vatican are not apologizing, Najib should be taking action on it. He thought he’d get votes from the Christian Chinese. Instead he got the Chinese tsunami. It was his call – he and he alone, I’m quite sure. It, too, must be his call now. Our Foreign Minister won’t lift a finger without Najib’s clearance. Because it was Najib’s baby.

On July 14, 2013 at 14:39 Postgrad said:

Alhamdulillah that we have the Malay-Muslim NGOs and prominent individuals like Nasharuddin Mat Isa, Zulkifli Noordin, Hassan Ali and others who have come out strongly and firmly against the statement made by the Vatican City envoy. If we want Najib to say anything, well he is too busy with his liberalist transformation agenda. So he is doing the elegant silent or diam seribu bahasa. Certainly not a leader. Meantime some Christian groups are egging him on to take a stand against Perkasa and Jati, a strategy of reverse psychology. Now who should deserve the baptism of fire? Certainly not the Malay- Muslims NGOs because they didnt start the fire.

This is the perfect opportunity for PM Najib to make a stand; to support Malay NGOs which are very consistent in the defence of the Constitution (particular matters pertaining the Malays & Islam) such as PERKASA, JATI etc. VS proven anti-Constitution NGOs such as some of the churches, Dong Zong, Hindraf etc.

This is the right ‘National Reconciliation’ showdown.

Or PM Najib wants Idris Jala & PEMANDU to convene a lab & priorities the NKRA standing first before deciding.

Pls excuse me for saying the words “Infirmus Dux Ducis …yang Lembik” you gave to Najib conjures the image of Najib with Anwar’s probably no-longer-firm rear-bashing tool, because he is said to have HIV.

And hope nobody accuses me of having any nasty thought on this fasting day, because I haven’t said anything nasty, have I – it’s a matter of interpretation, and the fault may not lie in the idea but in the interpretation, hehe.

But I’ll confess: there’s no love lost between me and Najib. Since he started bending backwards to placate others and at the expense of the interest of the majority in this country. Including the menyembah di Vatican (the lingo was “granted an audience”, like our YDP Agong does) proposing diplomatic relations which have now brought these.

[…] Many want to see sexebitionist duo Tan and Lee be charged in court, tried and if found guilty, be punished with the severest penalty. Equal number of Muslims wanted to see Apostolic Nuncio Marino leave the country and the Apostolic Nunciature in Kuala Lumpur be closed. […]

[…] with an ill intent to continue provoking the Malays on an issue which is very sensitive. More over, the wrath of the Malays is demonstrated very clearly when a month ago Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Joseph Marino made a political statement to support […]

[…] with an ill intent to continue provoking the Malays on an issue which is very sensitive. More over, the wrath of the Malays is demonstrated very clearly when a month ago Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Joseph Marino made a political statement to support […]

[…] On 13 July 2013 Bishop Phillip Lok demanded Prime Minister Najib stand up and takes action against Malay NGOs such as PERKASA, JATI, ISMA, Pembela etc. for voicing their grave discern on the outrageous statement made by Apostolic Nuncio Marino and demanding the Malaysian Government expel him. […]